What are some unique ideas for college essays?
As I'm starting to brainstorm for my personal statement, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all the advice out there about what makes a college essay stand out. I know I’m supposed to write about something personal and meaningful, but most of my high school experiences feel kind of ordinary.
Does anyone have tips or examples of unique college essay topics? What are some less common angles you've used or heard about that really helped an application shine? I don’t want to write the typical 'overcoming a sports injury' story if I can help it, but I’m not sure what else admissions officers want to see. Sharing what worked for you would be super helpful!
Does anyone have tips or examples of unique college essay topics? What are some less common angles you've used or heard about that really helped an application shine? I don’t want to write the typical 'overcoming a sports injury' story if I can help it, but I’m not sure what else admissions officers want to see. Sharing what worked for you would be super helpful!
4 months ago
•
16 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
It’s totally normal to feel like your experiences aren’t unique enough for a college essay—almost everyone hits that mental block at first! In reality, the most memorable essays often come from everyday moments, as long as you dig deep and reflect honestly. Here are some angles and tips to make your essay stand out:
1. Focus on a quirky interest or hobby. Do you collect vintage postcards, write fantasy stories, or experiment with baking odd recipes? Even if it seems small or strange, sharing how you got into it and what it means to you can say a lot about your curiosity or dedication.
Example: Someone wrote about learning origami during long car rides, turning it into a way to make friends at a new school.
2. Write about a tiny—but telling—moment. Admissions officers often remember essays built around a single moment of conflict, realization, or kindness. Was there a day you had to stand up for yourself in a group project? Did a random encounter on public transit challenge your assumptions?
Example: One essay I saw described convincing a stubborn teacher to let the class use Spotify during art, showing initiative and negotiation skills.
3. Explore identity through something subtle. Instead of writing a full biography, focus on surfaces—why you picked your email address, a favorite childhood snack, or a family inside joke. Then, use it as a lens to examine your heritage, values, or relationships.
4. Show change with unexpected connections. Did failing miserably at a YouTube cooking challenge make you realize the value of learning from mistakes? Or maybe being really bad at public speaking led to you joining tech crew for theater instead, helping others shine.
5. Describe behind-the-scenes roles. Have you run the school’s social media, organized a local event, or managed logistics for a club? Colleges love essays about responsibility in less-glamorous jobs, especially when you highlight what you learned.
The key is to use your story to show your growth, curiosity, or empathy—rather than just telling it. Even if the topic seems mundane, your take and self-reflection can make it memorable.
If you can, try freewriting about a few odd experiences and see which one sparks the most passion!
1. Focus on a quirky interest or hobby. Do you collect vintage postcards, write fantasy stories, or experiment with baking odd recipes? Even if it seems small or strange, sharing how you got into it and what it means to you can say a lot about your curiosity or dedication.
Example: Someone wrote about learning origami during long car rides, turning it into a way to make friends at a new school.
2. Write about a tiny—but telling—moment. Admissions officers often remember essays built around a single moment of conflict, realization, or kindness. Was there a day you had to stand up for yourself in a group project? Did a random encounter on public transit challenge your assumptions?
Example: One essay I saw described convincing a stubborn teacher to let the class use Spotify during art, showing initiative and negotiation skills.
3. Explore identity through something subtle. Instead of writing a full biography, focus on surfaces—why you picked your email address, a favorite childhood snack, or a family inside joke. Then, use it as a lens to examine your heritage, values, or relationships.
4. Show change with unexpected connections. Did failing miserably at a YouTube cooking challenge make you realize the value of learning from mistakes? Or maybe being really bad at public speaking led to you joining tech crew for theater instead, helping others shine.
5. Describe behind-the-scenes roles. Have you run the school’s social media, organized a local event, or managed logistics for a club? Colleges love essays about responsibility in less-glamorous jobs, especially when you highlight what you learned.
The key is to use your story to show your growth, curiosity, or empathy—rather than just telling it. Even if the topic seems mundane, your take and self-reflection can make it memorable.
If you can, try freewriting about a few odd experiences and see which one sparks the most passion!
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)